UPSC Prelims 2020 Q31: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
- (a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
- (b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
- (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
- (d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Answer: (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
Explanation
Paramitas: Buddhist Spiritual Path
| Option | Matches Paramitas? |
|---|---|
| Earliest Dharmashastra texts | No - Paramitas are Buddhist, not Hindu |
| Schools rejecting Vedas | Partially true (non-Vedic schools) but not definition |
| Perfections for Bodhisattva path | YES |
| Merchant guilds | No - that's sreni |
Paramitas (Sanskrit: , Perfections) are six or ten virtues whose attainment leads to enlightenment on the Bodhisattva path in Mahayana Buddhism:
- Generosity (Dana)
- Morality (Sila)
- Patience (Kshanti)
- Vigor (Virya)
- Meditation (Dhyana)
- Wisdom (Prajna)
(Plus in 10-fold: Skillful Means, Aspiration, Strength, Knowledge)
Answer: (c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Paramitas are Buddhist spiritual virtues, not Hindu dharmashastra sutras.
- (b) Incorrect. Non-Vedic schools exist but Paramitas specifically refer to Bodhisattva virtues.
- (c) CORRECT. Paramitas are the six or ten perfections whose attainment enables one to walk the Bodhisattva path toward enlightenment.
- (d) Incorrect. Merchant guilds (sreni) were different economic institutions.
Key point
Six Paramitas (Mahayana Buddhism): Dana (generosity), Sila (morality), Kshanti (patience), Virya (vigor), Dhyana (meditation), Prajna (wisdom). Central to Bodhisattva ideal - cultivate virtues to help others achieve enlightenment.
Remember
In the cultural history of India, the term 'paramitas' refers to PERFECTIONS whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path in Mahayana Buddhism. These six or ten virtues are the ethical practices central to the Bodhisattva ideal of helping all beings toward enlightenment.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Paramitas (spiritual virtues) with Buddhist doctrines (Four Noble Truths). They are ethical practices, not philosophical principles.
- Assuming all Buddhist concepts are textual (Dharmashastra). Paramitas are lived practices on the path.
- Missing Bodhisattva concept - central to Mahayana, distinguishes it from Theravada's individual enlightenment.
Exam tip
Bodhisattva Ideal (Mahayana): Postpone personal enlightenment to help all beings achieve liberation. Practice Paramitas as the ethical foundation. Contrasts Theravada's Arhat (individual liberation) goal.
Sources
- Ashvaghosha - Bodhisattva-bhumi Sutra
- David Snellgrove - The Image of the Buddha